World Fire Congress launches global Communities of Practice through UL Research
Building on the 2024 World Fire Congress, the UL Research Institutes monthly sessions will tackle issues from lithium-ion battery safety to firefighter health
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Fla. fire chief fired amid bug zapper hazing fallout
After a bug zapper hazing led to the firing of three firefighters, St. Lucie County’s fire board voted to terminate Chief Jeff Lee without cause, following a union no-confidence vote
Mich. city launches first responder drone program for faster scene views
Sterling Heights' Drone as a First Responder program deploys drones from three docking stations in as little as 20 seconds, already helping police locate fleeing suspects and giving firefighters a faster way to assess calls before committing equipment
Mich. communities weigh regional fire authority ahead of vote
The proposed authority would unify Manistee, Onekama, Stronach and Filer fire and EMS under full-time staffing, as officials cite shrinking volunteer ranks and slow mutual-aid response times to make the case for new township millages
La. FD becomes first in state to carry blood products
St. George Fire Department will be the first in Louisiana to carry blood products, part of a new East Baton Rouge EMS partnership launching Oct. 26 that trains 20 paramedics as Blood Medics for field transfusions
Pa. lawmaker proposes sustainability fund to help struggling volunteer fire, EMS departments
Rep. Brenda Pugh’s Bill 2848 would provide grants of up to $25,000 every three years to small fire companies and incentivize voluntary consolidation, building on her earlier bill that offered a $6,000 tax credit for firefighters and EMS personnel
Ala. firefighters' union sues city over SCBA contamination
The union’s lawsuit alleges a third-party test found oil and particulates in the air used to fill SCBA cylinders, and that the city of Huntsville withheld records about it
From paper to precision: How Wilton Fire Department modernized fire department inspections
Wilton Fire Department serves approximately 25 square miles in Wilton, Connecticut, protecting a community of 18,500 residents with fire, rescue, EMS, and hazmat services
Ohio chemical tank explosion forces 900 to evacuate amid toxic gas fears
Toledo officials ordered residents within a mile of the MC Tank Terminal to evacuate after an ongoing chemical release, while those within three miles were told to shelter in place
First responders warn of dangerous social media fire stunt challenges
Officials say the TikTok challenges, which encourage children to ignite isopropyl alcohol for effects like “fire-breathing,” can cause severe burns or house fires, after a 9-year-old New Orleans boy was burned over 70% of his body this month
CPSE releases implementation guide for drone as first responder programs
The 32-page guide outlines 21 considerations for moving DFR programs from concept to operation, drawing on input from seven accredited fire agencies
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